Description of the Mongolian horse
The Mongolian horse is an ancient national horse breed in Mongolia (China). It can be seen in the north, northeast and northwest of the country. The appearance of the variety seems to be completely timeless. Until now, such herds can be seen in the highlands and high plains.
Mongolian horse
How the breed originated
Until the end, no one knows exactly how the Mongolian horse was formed as a breed. This is because nomads in those days were not at all engaged in keeping herd books.
When the genotype of the Mongolian horse was examined by scientists, they came to the conclusion that the genotype of different horses from the herd of Mongolian horses is completely different. This means that the breed has been forming for a long time and has absorbed many different bloods. Still, the main great-grandfathers of these horses are considered tarpans (horses living in the north of the country).
For the Mongols, these horses are of great importance. They were grateful to these stallions for the fact that they could cover great distances. Mongolian horses are an attribute of a nomadic and free life, and it was this way of life that was inherent in this people.
The Mongolian horse in the photo is depicted in such a way that it becomes clear: it was used as a weapon against enemies; Genghis Khan sat on one of these horses back in the 13th century. So, we can say that with their help a powerful empire was created. Horses were also used during the Second World War. Based on these facts, scientists hypothesize that, as an independent type, these horses began to be bred somewhere in the 12th century in Mongolia. Moreover, it is believed that these pets are the progenitors of many other steppe breeds.
External characteristics
It is interesting that today the described horses have almost the same appearance as in the time of Genghis Khan. These horses from Mongolia are not tall, which, in principle, is inherent in aboriginal horses. The Mongolian horse was formed in difficult climatic conditions: at the withers, the stallion is not higher than 128 cm, and the mare is smaller by a few centimeters.
The physique of the horses is large, the legs are dry, they are short. The muzzle is wide, the head is generally large, and the neck is short. The hooves are durable and resilient. As a rule, these horses are not shod (there is no such custom in their homeland), but nevertheless, sometimes you can find a shod horse. Their fur is thick and rough; in winter, the coat thickens even more. This coat is a distinctive feature of this breed.
Horses from Mongolia have a deep chest and drooping croup. On the muzzle, in profile, you can see the shape of a hump. The eyes are small. The mane on the tail is long.
The Mongolian breed is also called by another name. Its representatives are known as wild steppe horses. Among them you can see a different color: this is red, and nightingale, and kauray, and dun, and bay. Light gray individuals can be found a little less often in color. Spotted and forelock horses are popular.External characteristics can be seen in more detail in the photo.
Mongolian horses can serve their owner for 20-24 years. Ripen late. A physically developed individual can only be called one that has reached 6 years of age.
Character
The breed was bred to participate in wars and battles. Nevertheless, we can say that the horses are very calm in nature. Along with calmness, Mongolian horses have the following qualities:
- they are hardy;
- possess extraordinary power.
If you pay attention to such a horse, take care of it, it will certainly reciprocate, and all the good will return it with a builder. Such a horse appreciates and remembers a good human attitude. Due to their good interaction with humans, Mongolian animals are often used in horse riding training. The docile nature also allows you to use a horse under the saddle, but such a stallion is not suitable for a team.
How to contain
The Mongolian breed of horses is unpretentious in terms of keeping. This is because the monogols led a nomadic life with them, which means that they had to survive in difficult conditions. Accordingly, even today, in order to maintain such a horse, no special conditions are required. Pets like to spend a lot of time just in the open air. Mongolian horses can be safely left with children: they will not bite or offend them.
It is important for the owner to monitor how the horse develops the skeleton and muscular system. It is with a strong skeleton and a healthy muscular system that a horse will live a long and healthy life. This breed often suffers from joint diseases, especially if the animal is already elderly. Regular veterinary visits should not be neglected. If you take care of a horse incorrectly, it will immediately reflect inflammation on its hooves and unhealthy skin. Mongolian horses can suffer from heart disease.
As for food, here too the unpretentiousness of the horses is found. Their ancestors took part in long hikes, during which they ate exclusively subcutaneous fat - which is why they are so hardy. But in general, horses, of course, need fresh plants, in winter they need hay. It is useful to add vegetables and cereal crops to the diet of stallions. As a treat, they are very fond of sugar.
Areas of use
This breed was formed in the steppe area, the horses are small in size, suitable for riding. This horse is for nomads, therefore from the very beginning it was used as a pack animal and for riding. The rider feels confident riding the Mongolians. In a team of such horses, it is better to harness two at a time.
Horses from Mongolia are distinguished by their endurance, so they often appear in equestrian sports and win prizes.